Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.

The Government's comprehensive review of expenditure formed the basis for the budgetary decisions necessary to achieve the targets for fiscal consolidation over the period to the end of 2014.

A detailed submission by the Department of Defence formed part of the review process. The submission highlighted the significant reform that has been undertaken in recent years in Defence. It also set out options for Government consideration and highlighted the consequences of alternative courses of action.

I am pleased to say that the Government decided to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. This recognises the significant modernisation that has been achieved to date and reflects the Government's intention that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all of the assigned roles within the restricted financial allocation.

In response to this revised strength ceiling of 9,500, there will be a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces encompassing a reduction in the number of Army brigades from three to two. The Chief of Staff was consulted in this regard. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for the Minister's consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. Further barrack closures are not envisaged as part of this process. The Deputies will appreciate that in advance of receipt of these proposals I will not be in a position to answer detailed questions.

The reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel will deliver sustainable savings. The re-organisation is a response to this reduction and is not intended as a cost saving measure in its own right. The primary focus is to free up the maximum number of military personnel from administrative and support tasks. In short, the re-organisation is about maintaining operational outputs and capabilities to best effect, within a reduced strength.

In accordance with the Croke Park agreement, the representative associations will be fully consulted on all aspects of implementation that fall within the scope of representation. Across Departments, a similar approach is generally taken to implementing high level policy decisions as a result of the CRE.

The Defence organisation has an enviable track record of modernisation and reform. This remains a work in progress. I look forward to working closely with the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General in furthering the reform agenda.

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